Device for maintaining an upright seated position of a user against the backrest of a seat

Abstract

Device (1) consisting of a cover (4) with a lumbar cushion (7) intended to be placed over said backrest, two double hooks (3), each of the two double hooks (3) having a first end (5) which is curved and intended to be hooked onto said backrest so as to hold the device (1) against said backrest, each of the two double hooks (3) further having a second end (6) intended to pass under the arms of a user sitting against said backrest so as to rest against the front of the user's shoulders to help keep their back against said backrest. Figure for the abbreviation: Fig 1

Description

Title of the invention: Device for maintaining a user in an upright seated position against the backrest of a seat

[0001] The present invention relates to devices for maintaining a user in an upright seated position against the back of a seat when the user is seated on said seat, this invention enabling the user to obtain an appropriate posture with a straight back, that is to say upright, in particular on a seat or an armchair.

[0002] Throughout this patent application, the word "seat" is used indiscriminately to refer to a seat, an armchair, a chair... or any other equivalent with a backrest allowing a user to sit with their back against the backrest of this seat, which is aimed in particular at vehicle passengers, for example in cars, trains or planes.

[0003] The present invention aims to provide a positioning device that optimizes ergonomics and adapts to many existing seats.

[0004] Systems for maintaining a user in a particular posture are known, such as that described in document KR10-2016-0128201.

[0005] These known systems only allow for support in relation to the user's head or chin, or are particularly bulky or immovable in relation to the chair that incorporates them, and above all they do not incorporate any specific element for the lumbar region.

[0006] The invention aims to overcome at least some of the aforementioned disadvantages and to provide a device for maintaining a user in an upright seated position against the back of a seat, said device being capable of combining advantages of practicality, simplicity and reliability for its implementation, and this on a wide variety of seats.

[0007] In view of the foregoing, the invention relates to a device for maintaining an upright seated position of a user against the back of a seat, said device comprising a cover with a lumbar cushion intended to be placed over said back, two double hooks, each of the two double hooks having a first end which is curved and intended to be hooked on said back so as to hold the device against said back, each of the two double hooks further having a second end intended to pass under the arms of a user seated against said back so as to come to rest against the front of the shoulders of this user to help him to keep his back against said back.

[0008] Preferably, the first end comprises a flexible articulated arm.

[0009] For example, each of the two double hooks includes means for retaining said double hooks against the cover.

[0010] Advantageously, a system for adjusting the length of the distance is provided between the first end and the second end.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the length adjustment system includes a telescopic intermediate tube mounted between the first and second ends to make the length adjustable between these ends.

[0012] In one embodiment, the first end comprises at least one flat bar.

[0013] Advantageously, the first end forms a U which includes a central tube.

[0014] The device may further provide a clamping mechanism allowing tightening of at least part of the device against the backrest, the tightening being achieved by screwing said tightening mechanism.

[0015] Preferably, the second end is padded with elastic material so as to provide soft contact to the user when the latter is held against the backrest by means of the second end.

[0016] The invention also relates to a device in which a belt surrounding the cover is placed between the lumbar cushion and the two double hooks, said belt being configured to surround the user when in the position of use to hold the user against said cover.

[0017] The invention will be better understood upon a detailed study of some embodiments taken by way of non-limiting examples and illustrated by the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0018] [Fig-1] represents a holding device according to the invention in the first mode of realization and installed on an armchair, and in perspective view.

[0019] [Fig.2] represents the device of [Fig.1] in front view according to the first mode of realization.

[0020] [Fig.3] represents the device according to the first embodiment, in exploded view.

[0021] [Fig.4] represents a second embodiment of the device.

[0022] [Fig.5] represents a third embodiment of the device.

[0023] [Fig.6] represents a fourth embodiment of the device.

[0024] The first embodiment is illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 3, the device 1 being shown placed on a seat 2, in this case an armchair 2, on the [Fig.1].

[0025] In view of the foregoing, the invention therefore relates to a device 1 for maintaining a user in an upright seated position against the back of a seat 2.

[0026] Device 1 allows for a better sitting posture which promotes increased concentration and efficiency, whether at work or during leisure activities.

[0027] The device 1 includes a cover 4 equipped with a lumbar cushion 7 which provides relief for the user's lower back.

[0028] The cover 4 is intended to be placed over said backrest, so that the lumbar cushion 7 reaches approximately the level of the user's lumbar region when the user is sitting upright on the seat 2.

[0029] A version of the cover 4 is, for example, preferable for domestic use, with padded stitched leather and the possibility of adding a belt 7 later.

[0030] The cover 4 is a manufactured textile intended to be comfortable for contact with the user's back, in particular padded, while the rigid structural elements of the device 1 are for example made of plastic injection.

[0031] A version for the hospital environment, made with robust and easy-to-maintain materials, including a belt to ensure that the user's back is in good contact with the device 1.

[0032] The device 1 further comprises two double hooks 3, each of the two double hooks 3 having a first end 5 which is curved and intended to be hooked on said backrest so as to hold the device 1 against said backrest.

[0033] Each of the two double hooks 3 further includes a second end 6 intended to pass under the arms of a user sitting against said backrest so as to come to rest against the front of the shoulders of this user to help him to keep his back against said backrest.

[0034] A device 1 is thus formed which encourages the user to sit upright thanks to an ergonomic and comfortable design of hooks passing under the arms, and which includes a lumbar cushion allowing back support with the same device 1 to maintain an optimal posture when sitting and a benefit along the entire length of the back.

[0035] Preferably, the first end 5 has a flexible articulated arm, which makes the device 1 adaptable, and therefore very easy to transport and install.

[0036] The flexible arm forms an articulated system capable of adapting to the morphology of the user and the shape of the seat, which uses for example the principle known from flexible camera tripods.

[0037] In addition to being simple to install and use, it is suitable for all types of seats and sofas.

[0038] For example, each of the two double hooks 3 includes means for holding said double hooks 3 against the cover 4.

[0039] A rear ballast can be provided to create weight and keep the cover 4 in place and taut on the seat 2.

[0040] The first end 5 and the second end 6 are for example joined by an injected plastic end piece 24.

[0041] The retaining means 13, 25 include, for example, rear hooks 13 intended to pass through rear openings 14 in the cover 4, these being able to be further provided with bitter inserts 25 intended to protect the cover 4 against tearing by reinforcing the openings 14 with respect to the rear hooks 13.

[0042] Advantageously, the device 1 has a length adjustment system 15,16,19,20 of the distance between the first end 5 and the second end 6.

[0043] Device 1 thus helps to encourage an upright posture, reducing the risk of back pain and spinal problems.

[0044] Such a length adjustment system 15,16,19,20 is illustrated for example by Figures 4,5 and 6.

[0045] According to one embodiment, in particular the second embodiment illustrated by [Fig.4] and the third embodiment illustrated by [Fig.5], the length adjustment system 15,16,19,20 comprises a telescopic intermediate tube 15 mounted between the first and second ends 5,6 to make the length adjustable between these ends.

[0046] The back support cushion adapts to the user's morphology, offering personalized support.

[0047] The length adjustment system 15,16,19,20 includes, for example, notches 16 into which a spring-mounted needle can be inserted so as to adjust the length of the telescopic intermediate tube 15.

[0048] In one embodiment, in particular the second embodiment and the fourth embodiment, the first end 5 comprises at least one flat bar 19, 21, 22, 25.

[0049] The flat bar 19 can be used for length adjustment as in the fourth embodiment illustrated by [Fig.6], said flat bar 19 having a central groove in which is inserted a clamping screw 20 making the connection with an auxiliary portion 21 of the first end 5 which is grooved in the same way and in linear continuity.

[0050] This same clamping system can be duplicated on another portion of the first end 5 with a last grooved portion 22 tightened by a top screw 23, so as to screw or unscrew the formed insert at the desired height to adapt to the morphology of the user.

[0051] This makes it possible to lighten the device 1 and reduce its size, as well as its cost price, while providing good mechanical rigidity.

[0052] Advantageously, the first end 5 forms a U which includes a central tube 17.

[0053] Device 1 offers ergonomic support that reduces muscle fatigue and tension, thus preventing lumbar and cervical pain.

[0054] The central tube 17 also offers an aesthetic functionality in addition to its technical practicality.

[0055] The device may further provide a clamping mechanism 18 allowing at least a part of the device 1 to be clamped against the backrest, the clamping being obtained by screwing said clamping mechanism 18 through a screw thread behind the backrest of the seat 2.

[0056] The best posture obtained by a good grip promotes increased concentration and efficiency, whether at work or during leisure activities.

[0057] Preferably, the second end 6 is padded with elastic material so as to provide soft contact to the user when the latter is held against the backrest by means of the second end 6.

[0058] Thus, the double hooks 3 are comfortable and the lumbar cushion provides adequate and complementary back support to ensure comfortable support, even during long periods of sitting.

[0059] The invention also relates to a device 1 in which a belt 9 is provided, surrounding the cover 4 and placed between the lumbar cushion 7 and the two double hooks 3, said belt 9 being configured to surround the user when in the position of use to hold the user against said cover 4.

[0060] Of course, other features can be provided for the cushion: that it be heated, massaging...

[0061] The belt 9 is for example an adjustable or elastic belt which allows the user to be kept upright in a good position against the lumbar cushion and against the cover 4.

[0062] The belt 9 is for example adjustable thanks to a buckle 10 and a tightening element 11 allowing the belt to be held in its tightening position.

[0063] For example, front openings 8 are provided in the cover 4 to pass the belt 9 over the lumbar cushion 7.

[0064] The front openings 8 include, for example, front inserts 12, for example made of plastic, which protect the cover 4 when the belt 9 is sliding and tightened, and reduce noise when the belt 9 is handled.

Claims

Demands

1. Device (1) for maintaining an upright seated position of a user against the back of a seat (2), said device (1) comprising a cover (4) having a lumbar cushion (7) and intended to be placed over said back, two double hooks (3), each of the two double hooks (3) having a first end (5) which is curved and intended to be hooked on said back so as to maintain the device (1) against said back, each of the two double hooks (3) further comprising a second end (6) intended to pass under the arms of a user seated against said back so as to come to rest against the front of the shoulders of this user to help him to maintain his back against said back.

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first end (5) comprises a flexible articulated arm.

3. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein each of the two double hooks (3) includes means for retaining said double hooks (3) against the cover (4).

4. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a length adjustment system (15,16,19,20) for the distance between the first end (5) and the second end (6).

5. Device (1) according to claim 4, wherein the length adjustment system (15,16,19,20) comprises a telescopic intermediate tube mounted between the first and second ends (5,6) to make the length adjustable between these ends.

6. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first end (5) comprises at least one flat bar (19,21,22,25).

7. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first end (5) forms a U which includes a central tube (17).

8. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a clamping mechanism (18) allowing at least a part of the device (1) to be clamped against the backrest, the clamping being obtained by screwing said clamping mechanism (18).

9. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the second end (6) is padded with elastic material so as to provide soft contact to the user when the latter is held against the backrest by means of the second end (6).

10. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a belt (9) surrounding the cover (4) and positioned between the lumbar cushion (7) and the two double hooks (3), said belt (9) being configured to surround the user when in the position of use to hold the user against said cover (4).

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